University of Central Florida Honors President of Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort president George A. Kalogridis was recently awarded the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Central Florida.

Kalogridis graduated from UCF in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in sociology.

The award is the highest honor the university gives to its graduates and acknowledges alumni for professional achievements, volunteer work with the university, and community service.

"Through his leadership at one of our region's largest and most influential companies, George Kalogridis has become integral to the success of our community," said John C. Hitt, Ph.D., president of the University of Central Florida.

Kalogridis has worked for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for 42 years and currently oversees a workforce of close to 70,000 cast members at four theme parks and 25 hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort.

When he graduated from UCF, Kalogridis was working at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

UCF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and was recently named as the number 5 "up and coming" university in the country by U.S. News & World Report.